Centre Examines Meta Systems As IYC Stages Protest

New Delhi: The Centre has begun examining Meta's algorithms, compliance mechanisms and safeguards for compliance with legal requirements, even as the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Thursday staged a protest in New Delhi over the alleged blocking and suspension of user accounts.

Sources said the information technology ministry was holding discussions with Meta's technical teams following the controversy over the company's temporary restriction of a post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre had earlier summoned senior Meta executives, while a parliamentary panel sought an apology from the company's leadership.

The IYC held a demonstration outside the hotel where senior Meta executives were staying, accusing the platform of suppressing student voices and critical content. Protesters carried placards reading, "You deleted the voice of citizens but found your voice to apologise to PM."

The Congress youth wing demanded greater transparency and equal treatment in Meta's moderation of user accounts and content.

"If Meta could apologise within hours after action was taken against the Prime Minister's account, it must also explain why thousands of ordinary Indians continue to face arbitrary account suspensions and content takedowns without transparency or accountability. Every citizen deserves the same respect, not just those in power," IYC member Karan Chourasia said.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also claimed his Instagram account had been restricted and urged others facing similar issues to contact him. Sharing a screenshot showing the message "Unavailable in some locations", he alleged that users speaking against ethanol blending or the paper leak issue were facing suppression on social media and criticised Meta's response.